Macroeconomic briefing with the World Bank

On December 19, 2008,  the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia in cooperation with the World Bank held a briefing on macroeconomic developments and policies.  Klaus Rohland, Country Director and Resident Representative of the World Bank in Russia, and Zeljko Bogetic, the World Bank Lead Economist for Russia, provided an update of the Russian Economic Report #17 (November 2008, www.worldbank.org/russia) for over 120 AmCham members and 20 media outlets.

AmCham’s Intensifies Its Efforts to Clarify the Rules for Royalty Payments

Following the previous steps taken by AmCham to advocate its members’ position to the Russian Government on the royalty payments issue, on December 23d the Chamber held a meeting with Pavel Kadochnikov, Deputy Rector of the National Foreign Trade Academy.

CNBC interviews Andrew Somers

CNBC interviewed AmCham President Andrew Somers on December 11 to discuss U.S. business and the Russian fallout.

Click on the thumbnail picture to the left to view the entire interview.

Republic of Bashkortostan Regional Briefing

The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia held a regional briefing on December 10 with a delegation of senior officials from the Republic of Bashkortostan. Yuri Pustovgarov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Bashkortostan and Minister of Industry, Investments and Innovation Policy spoke on investment opportunities in the region. The briefing was followed by a tasting session of Bashkortostan national cuisine

Regional Briefing with Vladimir Oblast

The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia held a regional briefing on November 13, 2008 at the Marriott Grand Hotel. Vladimir Veretennikov, First Deputy Governor of the Vladimir Oblast, discussed investment opportunities in his region.

G-20 Declaration of the Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy

The leaders of the Group of Twenty held an initial meeting in Washington on November 15, 2008, amid serious challenges to the world economy and financial markets. The group expressed their determination to enhance cooperation and work together to restore global growth and achieve needed reforms in the world's financial systems.
The declaration may be downloaded here. [source - www.kremlin.ru]

Olympic Infrastructure Briefing

The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia held an Olympic Infrastructure Briefing on October 30, 2008 at the Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel. Dmitry Kozak, Deputy Chairman, RF Government and Victor Kolodyazhny, President, Olimpstroy, discussed the program of construction of Olympic facilities in Sochi.

The purpose of the event was to inform potential investors on existing opportunities and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the Sochi 2014 Olympics. The high-profile event, which attracted about 150 business representatives from different companies, including construction, supplies, telecommunications, project management and consulting, was a result of the agreement reached between AmCham President Andrew Somers and Victor Kolodyazhny during the Sochi Investment Forum in September.

Regional Briefing with Novgorod Oblast

On October 28, 2008, AmCham held a Regional briefing with representatives of the Novgorod Oblast administration. AmCham President Andrew Somers welcomed Deputy Governor Alexander Gabitov - a key figure in the Oblast’s economics and foreign investments. The event was attended by around two dozen representatives of AmCham member companies.

AmCham Cooperation with the Federal Migration Service

During an AmCham breakfast held on August 5, representatives of the Federal Migration Service (FMS) provided details of the recent changes in the administrative regulations of public service procedures to issue resolutions for employment of foreign nationals and employment permits, work permits (plastic cards) and Russian visa invitation letters for foreign nationals. The FMS officials spoke on the application processes and addressed members' questions and concerns.

New administrative regulations of the Federal Migration Service (FMS) now make it possible to simultaneously submit via "one window" the required documents for obtaining permits 1) to hire foreign workers; 2) work permits for individuals (plastic cards) and 3) work visa invitations, after AmCham member companies have registration with the FMS. The new arrangement between the FMS and AmCham will reduce waiting times from four months to approximately one and a half months. Further information and application documents are available here.

Useful Links to the Federal Migration Service Website

Below are links to the official site of the Federal Migration Service with information on migration registration of foreign citizens in Russia and instructions for applying for Russian visas. Procedure for issuing and extending Russian visas - English | Russian Migration registration of foreign citizens in Russia - English | Russian

U.S. Visa Premium Processing for AmCham Members

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In cooperation with the U.S. Embassy Consular Section AmCham has implemented a system to expedite the U.S. visa application process for AmCham members. Premium Processing allows AmCham member company employees to obtain a visa within five business days or less.
Please click here for further details.